User blog comment:Eskapist19/Devil May Cry 5/@comment-1332195-20100201101318

Something I think would work; Namco's beat 'em ups (at least) have increased damage if you hit the opponent from the sides or behind, or if you hit while they're launching an attack; I think the same could be implemented here, and if the dodging system you suggested works, they could compliment each other. I would also suggest, to make the game fair/more difficult, the same damage modifiers apply to your character.